Is Malta, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 41 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
47/100
waterverge.com Malta, IL — Water Quality Report
Malta's drinking water received a grade of D (47 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,393 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 164 violations on record, including 18 health-based violations. 41 remain unresolved.
What to know about Malta's water
Malta ranks #857 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Malta relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Malta may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 117 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Malta, IL water safe to drink?
Malta's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (47/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,393 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Malta
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Malta's water quality assessment. Grade: D (47/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Nitrate, Nitrite.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4116). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3230). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Malta's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Malta's water system has 164 total violations on record, including 18 health-based violations. 41 remain unresolved. 117 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
DeKalb County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include South Branch Kishwaukee River.
Where does Malta's water come from?
Malta's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,393 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include South Branch Kishwaukee River (river).
What Malta residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Malta's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Malta's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Malta
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Malta, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 53 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
WHEATLAND TUBE WESTERN TUBE ROCHELLE, IL61068 | Zinc compounds | 53 | 8.1 mi |
NEHRING ELECTRICAL WORKS CO DE KALB, IL60115 | — | — | 6.5 mi |
CST INDUSTRIES INC. DEKALB, IL60115 | — | — | 6.3 mi |
FORGE GROUP DEKALB LLC DBA DEKALB FORGE CO DEKALB, IL60115 | — | — | 7.3 mi |
UNIFIED WIRE & CABLE INC. DEKALB, IL60115 | — | — | 7.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
DeKalb County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Malta compares by contaminant
Explore where Malta ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Malta's water comes from
Malta's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,393 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Malta
Malta is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Malta
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MALTA | IL0370350 | 1,143 | GW |
| CORTLAND CORNERS MHP | IL0375125 | 250 | GW |
How Malta compares
Full Illinois rankings →Malta's score of 47/100 is below the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Malta, IL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Malta's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Dekalb
Frequently asked questions
Is Malta, IL tap water safe to drink?
Malta's water quality earned a grade of D (47/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #857 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Malta's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 164 violations are on record.
How is Malta's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Malta?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Malta's water come from?
Malta's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,393 residents.
What health violations has Malta's water system had?
Malta has 18 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 41 violations remain unresolved.
Is Malta's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Malta uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 164 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Malta's water compare to other cities?
Malta ranks #857 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 4% of state cities) and #13770 out of 15744 cities nationally (13th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.